Division 13 hosted the SPECIAL EVENT Ham Radio Station, K2G, commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the USCG Auxiliary and ISAR Competition on Saturday, 6 NOV 2004. Joined by members from Division 1, a total of 25 Auxiliarists [see participants below] worked toward having a great day of fellowship and cross divisional team building while talking to over 250 ham radio stations from all over the United States, Europe, the Caribbean Sea, and more!  

We started on Friday preparing for this great event by assembling the antennas that would be used for the four HF radio stations that would be set up to work the event. As bad luck would have it, the wind was so bad that day that we were only able to put up the wire antenna and merely built and laid out the other more sophisticated antennas. We then got up early on Saturday and put up the larger Vertical and 3 Element Triband Beam antennas.

After a quick briefing, the sound of voices calling CQ CQ CQ {ham lingo for general call for anyone to answer} from K2G echoed throughout the room that we set up as our COMMS center. We even had a morse code station on low power running as well. Everyone helped out in one form or another whether you were an Operator, a Logger or a support person. Amazingly, most of the Auxiliarists in the room were ham operators so we were able to switch job functions as needed or as requested.

Station Jones Beach was great in providing breakfast, lunch and lots of coffee as we worked on air from 0900 to 1530. The station was well suited for having antennas easily accessible to the operating stations as well. The Regulars at the station were great in assisting us with the antenna setup, all the great cooking, and various other things that arose. A sincere thanks to our fellow team members on the Gold Side. Also, on the Silver side, a few notables should be recognized for their efforts in making this day possible. Gordon Sammis, DSO-CM, who worked in coordinating the event across two Divisions. Hal Marschall, DCP 13, for his support in assisting us on the Division 13 side. Rich Zwirlein, SO-CM, for orchestrating the logistics and coordinating the efforts between the Gold and the Silver sides. Ron Tomo, FSO-CM, MT, for his work in getting the Division 13 radio stations operational. Ken Sommers, VCP-13 and his photo group for capturing this event in pictures. Lastly, George Tranos, DIV 01, ARRL Section Manager, for acquiring needed  antennas from the LIMARC Amateur Radio Club and of course, to the club for providing their support for our Special Event. A special thanks to ALL who came down to help which made the day a GREAT SUCCESS !!! 

Communications is a critical part of our work with the USCG Auxiliary and it's nice to be able to practice our on air skills with events such as this one. Stay tuned for the next AUXCOM classes and if you want to get into our upcoming Ham Radio Technician License class starting TUESDAY, 9 NOVEMBER in Freeport NY, contact Ron Tomo, FSO-CM, MT of 13-13 who is the lead instructor and an ARRL Volunteer Examiner and Instructor. Email: rtomo@optonline.net.

 The best of all was that we had a great time !!! Hope to see you next year !!!  

73's [Ham lingo for best regards]

Ron Tomo FSO-CM 13-13, VFC elect 13-13
images
Pete Restivo Assist. Photographer Division 13
Ken Sommers VCP-13